Y.Daisy Thangam v. The Management Of
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 28.06.2023
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE M.S. RAMESH Y.Daisy Thangam
...Petitioner
Vs The Management of Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Kovai) Ltd., Rep by its Managing Director, Coimbatore.
...Respondent
PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondent to pay interest at the rate of 18% per annum for the period of delay from 21.02.2022 to 28.03.2023 in paying the amounts paid towards the terminal benefits namely EPF, Gratuity and Encashment of Earned/Sick Leaves of her deceased husband/employee (late) B.Yesurathinam, Staff No.92CR1016385 within a time frame to be fixed by this Court. For Petitioner : Mr.V.Ajoy Khose For Respondent : Mr.M.Murali Vinodh Standing Counsel 1/4
ORDER
Heard Mr.V.Ajoy Khose, learned counsel for the petitioner and Mr.M.Murali Vinodh, learned Standing Counsel for the respondent.
2. The petitioner's husband, who was serving as Selection Grade Checking Inspector' under the respondent Corporation, had died on 20.02.2022 while in service. However, his terminal benefits came to be settled only after one year of his death i.e., on 28.03.2023. The petitioner had given a representation on 12.05.2023, seeking for interest on the belated payment of the retirement benefits, which is yet to be considered.
3. This Court, in various decisions, have already taken a view that in all cases of belated payment of the terminal benefits, the concerned employee would be entitled for interest at the rate of 4% per annum. In this background, this Court is of the view that the petitioner would be entitled for interest at the rate of 4% per annum on the belated payment of the terminal benefits.
4. In the light of the above observations, there shall be a direction 2/4
to the respondent herein to pay interest at the rate of 4% per annum on the belated payment of the terminal benefits to the petitioner, from the date of his death till the date of actual disbursement i.e., between 21.02.2022 and 28.03.2023 within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.
5. With the above direction, the Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs.
28.06.2023 3/3 Index:Yes/No Speaking order/Non-speaking order sr To The Management of Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Kovai) Ltd., Rep by its Managing Director, Coimbatore.
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M.S.RAMESH,J.
sr 3/3 28.06.2023 4/4